Filing cabinet



Sept. 1s, 192s. 1,685,011

R. J. WOOD l FILING CAINET Filed Feb. 15, 1924 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 iiiilllWMl L 4m n INVENTOR.v www W/w TToRNEY.

Sept. 18, 1928. i 1,685,011

2 R. J. WOOD FILING CABINET Filed Feb. 15, 1924 3 sheets-sheet 2 WMM f ATTORNEY.

sept.1s,192s. f 1,685,611

' R. J. woon FILING CABINET Filed Feb. 15, 1924 5 ShetS-Sheet 3 BQ @uw 1mm.

Patented sept. 1s, 192e.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

`RODNEY J. WOOD, OF DAYTON, OHIO.

FILING?` CABINET.

` Application led February 15, 1924. Serial No. 693,057.

. the data sheets or cards may be observed,

the container having access openings therein through which a spatula. or-other suitable instrun'ient may be inserted for the purpose of turning the cards or separating the collection of-,cards into portions by oscillating them to and fro to expose any selected card. To facilitate the turning over or oscillation of the cards within the container, the access openings for .the spatula or implement are preferably located inv a movable section in the present instance in a traveling belt,

which passes over guide rollers at the corners ofthe lid, and is intermittently advanced by thel pulling effort upon the inserted spatula or instrument, necessary to turn or separate the cards. In lieu of the endless belt there may be employed a succession of short rollers arranged side by side with suiiicient play or lost motion to permit the insertion of the separating spatula. between any two rollers, or such access openings for the insertion of the card-turning implement may be made in a reciprocatory bar, mounted in the side of the con; tainer. If it is desired that cardsor data. sheets shall be placed in the le box or container, the transparent. lid is provided with spaced transversely arranged slots, through which additional cards or data sheets'may be deposited betweenparticular guides of` ,the card or sheet collection within the box. If it is desired te lock the container against such deposit of additional cardsor data sheets, transverse stop bars or wires are provided which by relative movement of the slotted transparent top and such stop wires are brought into registry with the slot or moved out of registry at the will of the operator. To prevent the deiection of a card or data sheet over or around such sto bar, the transverse rods or bars `are pre erably channelled. rllhe relative adjustment of the slotted transparent top and such stop rods or bars is controlled by a key-operated lock. The objectof the invention is to im- I prove the structure as well as the operation of le boxes or containers whereby they will lnot only be cheapen'ed in construction and economical in manufacture, but will be easily and quickly operated to effect the selectionof the desired card or data sheet, compact in form, adaptable to a wide range of yuses and unlikely to get out of repair.

A further primary object of the invention is to provide full and complete protection against the intentional abstraction or accidental loss of record cardsl or data sheets, or the alteration of records contained thereon by rendering the information or dat-a sheets contained in the file box inaccessible for removal or alteration or destruction, yet easily and quickly available for observation.

`A .further object of the invention is to provlde improved protective means for a series of cards or data sheets which while preventing removal or tampermg therewith, will neverthelessfenablethe addition or insertion at selected points of additional cards or data sheets and to further provide means for locking the file box or container against the insertion of such additional record sheets. r

With the above primary and other incidental objects in view as will more fully appear in the specification, the invention consists of the features of construction, the parts and combinations thereof, and the mode of operation -or their equivalentsI as hereinafter described and set forth in the claims.-

In the accompanying drawing, wherein is shown the preferred," but obviously not necessarily the only form of embodiment of the invention, Fig. l is a perspective view of the assembled file box or container, showing the cards therein, and a file index mounted on top of the box or container. Fig. .2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the le box or container, with a series of cards therein. Figs. 3 and 4 are detail perspective views of a slotted closure top 1n unlocked and locked positions. Fig. 5 is a bottom plan view partly broken away of a transparent top or lid removed from the box or container. Fig. 6 is a sectional V view of the transparent closure 11d, showing the relation of the endless traveling apertured belt. Fig. 7 is a detail perspective view illustrating a modification wherein a series of independent rollers are employed erspe'ctivel in lieu of apertured belt. Fig. 8 is a side elevation of the lid or closure partly broken away, illustrating a reciprocatory bar have ing apertures thereimto be employed in lieu of the belt or rollers. Fig. 9 is a erspective view of the file box constructe of glass. Fig. 10 shows a modification of Fig. 9, with the box open. Fig. 11 is a detail View of the sheet-retaining means for the guide cards and xed data sheets between which cards may be loosely deposited. Fig. .12 is a deail yziew of the modification illustrated lin Like parts are indicated by similar characters of reference vthroughout the several views.

Referring to the drawings, 1 is a box or container preferably, though not necessarily formed from sheet metal and having hollow walls 2, which afford stability. The box 1 is adapted to contain a series or collection of file cards, data sheets or other record revoluble cards 2. They are supported in inclined grouped relation by an adjustable follower 3, movable longitudinally by a screw shaft 4 in the bottom of the box, and operated by a knob 5, projecting exteriorly thereof. At the forward portion of the box is provided' a hinged plate or follower 6,

operated by a push rod or stem 6', to oscillate rearwardly such ortion of cards'2 as t may havebeen shifte forward to expose a selected card or data sheet. The container 1 is rovided with a closure lid 7, which may be inged to the box 1 but which is normally locked to prevent access to the box or container and tampering with the cards or data sheets therein. The box lid or cover is provided with a transparent panel 8, through which the inscriptions upon the cards or data sheets 2 may be observed. In the event that it is intended thatadditional cards or data sheets shall be inserted or deposited within the box or container between certain/selected cards of the collection 2, the

transparent panel 8 is 'composed of a series of spaced sections of transparent material preferably glass, leaving therebetween narrow slots or crevices 9. Such slots 9 are of comparativelynarrow width, only sufficient to admit the .card or lsheet to be deposited, but not wide enough to permit the insertion ,of any implement by which the deposited cards or s eets might beY withdrawn, If the file container is intended merely as adepository for records to which no additions are to be made by persons, not having access to the container, the transparent observation panel 8 may be continuous throughout and the depository slots 9 may be`.'omitted. However, by providin for the deposit 'of such additional recor -cards through the slotted ltop, the file may be employed for stock accounting, directory Ipurposes, or for workmens time records.' n suchapplicawhose daily time'cards may be filed by being depositedvthrough the slots. Whether provided with the deposit slots 4or not, the

file may be used for aseries of protected ledger cards. In any event, the record upon any card or sheet may be observed'throu h the transparent panel, uponseparating t e cards bythe spatula inserted through the lateral access opening, and if desired additional cardsl or memoranda sheets may be deposited from time to time through the 1 slots in association with particular previous ly filed cards., To provide for the locking of such cover against the insertion or deposit of additional sheets or cards, ethe spaced transparent sections of the panel 8 are mounted in a suitable frame 10, which in turn is mounted for limited reciprocatory movement in a fore and aft direction, or transverse to the direction of the slots 9, in

the cover lid 7 The to and fro movement of this transparent framed panelpis controlled by a key-o erated lock 11, the ordinary lock bolt of w ich is connectedl to the panel frame, so that the frame is shifted to and fro as the lock is manipulated. Fixedly secured transversely in the main frame of the closure lid or top 7 and in spaced relation corresponding with that of the deposit slots 9, is a series of stop bars or wires 12. These stop bars or wires are preferably, though not necessari1y,' channelled, and are approximately of the size and shape of the ordinary y umbrellaribmf the .present time. By the to andfro shifting movement; ofthe transparent panel 8, the deposit slots 9 thereof \are moved into andfout-of registry with the `stop wires or baflles 12. Whensuch slot 9 lis out of'registry with the stop wire or'baie 12, the record card or data lsheet ma be freely inserted as shown in Fig. 3.-- owever, whenyadjusted to bring the slot 9 into regist with the stop wire or baille 12, the slot wil be closed, and the insertion of additional' sheets or cards'prevente'd, as shown.

in Fig. 4. 'The`,grooved character of the baille wire or sto 12, 'causes' the trapping N or engagement o the edge of the sheet or card, which mightpt-herwise be passed over..

In the event that thefile box or containerv s Iis employed as a record file or to hold cards and sheets pertaining to personal. transdivided numerically or the divisions and sub-divisions may embody both letters and numerals, in which event an alphabetical name index 13 is preferably though not necessarily mounted on top of the container or box. Such an index has been shown in Fig. 1, consisting of a series of name lists, subdivided and tabbed alphabetically. This collection of name lists or alphabetical index is mounted in a suitable carrier 14, detachably engaged beneath overhanging ledges or flanges 15, projecting from the margins of the closure lid 7.

To enable the selection of any desired card, and separation of the collection or group of record cards 2 into portions to expose the selected card by tilting a portion of such cards forwardly, the box or container 1 is provided in the side wall thereof, with a series of spaced apertures 16. A spatula or other thinbladed instrument 17, may be introduced through any one of the apertures 16, and by looking through the transparent panel 8 of the lid, the operator may guide such spatula or instrument 17 between any two adjacent cards. By movement of the spatula or selecting instrument 17, those cards in advance of the point of separation may be tilted forwardly in the same manner that a card file is opened by manual manipulation when access is afforded direct to the cards.`V There being a series of the apertures 16 which are f located at spaced intervals, the operator selects the aperture most convenient to the point of operation or in other words, close to the card to be selected. The group or collection of record cards may be separated at different points by inserting the implement 17 through different apertures 16, and then transmitting through such inserted implement 17, the motion necessary to tilt the advance portion of the cards forwardl These apertures 16 for the insertion of t e selecting instru1n'ent'17 may be fixedly located in the side wall lof the box or container. However, for convenience of operation, they are movable in relation with the v container, whereby instead of a prying or oscillatory movement of the implement l7-as is necessary to separate the records when the apertures arestationary, the entire implement 17 may be drawn forwardly and thus be made to follow the advance of the tilted or sepa.. rated portions of the cards or recordsheets. While several methods of enabling such shifting movement of the selecting implement 17 and the aperture 16, through which the implement is inserted, may be employed the preferred construct-ion consists of an endless travelingbelt 18, extending about guide rollers 26 located adjacent to ithe corners of the closure lid 7 and in which the apertures 16 are formed. The lid 7 is provided at one side with a slot 19, with which the traveling belt 18 registers, and by which the slot is closed except`for the apertures 16 in the` traveling belt. The belt 18 may be of any suitable flexible material. It may be of thin metal, or of composition.' However, in practice a leather belt 18 having the apertures 16 formed therein at intervals isfound very satisfactory particularly in view of the fact that it is noiseless in its movement. The implement 17 being inserted through an aperture 16 of the traveling belt 18, in close proxirnity to the card to be selected, and thence 'inserted between the selected card` and the one in advance thereof, the implement 17 is bodily drawn forwardly as indicated by the arrow in Fig. 1, carrying with it not only the separated portion of the cards within the box or container, but also the traveling apertured belt 18. By employing an endless belt passing entirely about the closure lid 7, it is not necessary to return the belt preparatory to the next selecting operation. After each operation, the endless belt 18 is left in its advanced position and upon the succeeding operation, the implement is inserted through another aperture andthe belt again advanced. Thus the apertured belt 18 travels through an intermittent step by step movement around thelid 7, being enclosed within the hollow or tubular margins of such closure lid. In Fig. 7 there is shown a modiication, wherein in lieu 'of the endless traveling apertured belt 18, a series of independent nel of the selecting implement 17 between any two adjacent rollers or studs 20. That .is to say, the series of studs or rollers does not quite fill the track or circuit, so that4v sufficient play or lost motion is permitted to enable any two studs or rollers to be sepallfl rated a sufficient distance -to enable the insertion of the selecting implement 17. When this implement is inserted betweenadjacent studs or rollers 20 and engaged with' the selected cards within the box or container, it

may be 'drawn forwardly thus advancing the entlre series of rollers or studs 2O in quitethe same manner that the endless belt 18 is adl `the insertion of the selecting implement 17.

This bar 21 is normally retracted by a spring 22. The selecting implement 17 being inserted through any one of the apertures 16, the implement and with it the bar 21 may be drawn forwardly against the tension `of the spring 22, to tilt the separated portion of the card roup. Upon release of the reciprocatory ar 21, it will be retracted by the spring 22 preparatory to the next selection operation. The primary objection to the constructions shown in Figs. 7 and 8 is only the fact that they are somewhat more noisy than the endless belt construction forward follower 6 is drawn upwardly and rearwardly by a cord 25, attached at one end to the oscillatory follower 6 and at itsl opposite end to the -spatula 17. This cord 25, not only revents the spatula bein misplaced, and Ilieeps it readily at han but provides a convenient means by which the cards may be restored and the spatula inserted for a subsequent selection almost as a single motion. While holding the spatula preparatory to making the selection, a slight pull upon the cordl 25 will restore the tilted cards. The cards in the file box illustrated shown in the preceding fi ures, and induceil-in Fig. 1 may be restored in the same mana clicking sound as the rol ers are displaced one against the other, or as the reciprocatory bar 21 is returned by the retraction of the s ring.

In ig. 1 there have been shown additional apertures 23, located in proximity to the bottom of the box or container 1, through which the implement 17 may be inserted and by a prying or oscillatory movement emplo ed to straighten or adjust the cards wit in the box or container, or to shift their lower bearing ed es within the box to accommodate an a justment of the"v follower block 3. Such additional apertures 23 are not ordinarily necessary nory essential but may be desirable under certain conditions of use.

In Figs. 9 and 10, there is shown a construction wherein the box or container is provided with transparent lass sides, as well as top. This enables t e o erator to more readily observe the filed car s in ma ing a selection, and also admits light to enable the inscription or data to be more easily and quickly read. The cabinet or container as shown in Figs. 9 and 10 further differs from that shown in the preceeding figures, in that the slotted transparent top and transparent side and end sections comprise the integral cover unit, which is ivoted or hinged to the bottom portion. y thus extending the lid 'or cover previously described to include the full height of the side and end section, the filed cards .are more easily accessible when the lid or cover portion is raised as shown in Fig. 10. While atraveling apertured strap, an apertured reciprocatory bar, or relativel xed spaced apertures in the side wal of the .container as previously described may be employed in the construction shown in.Figs. 9 and 10, the side wall of the box or container is shown provided with an elon ated continuous slot 24, through which t e spatula or ner providing the cord 25 passing through an opening 26 in the side of the container and used in lieu of the push rod or stem 6. e

In Fig. 9 the file cards are shown mounted in a removable file support within the cabinet or box. This support consists of a ianged base 27 to which front and rear followers 6 and 3 are hinged. The forward oscillation of the forward followers 6 is limited by stop arms 28. The stop arms 28 are pivoted to the hinged follower 6. A similar pair of stop arms 28 is also pivoted to the rearward hinged follower 3. In Fig. 10 a single arm 28 is shown performing the same function as the pair of arms illustrated in Fig. 9. These arms are curved outwardly v at their lower ends forming feet props which engage the base of the cabinet or container to support the followers 6 and 3 These stop arms normally hold the followers 6 and 3 in their elevated positions and limit their normal rangeJof oscillation to positions inclined slightly forwardly" and rearwardly respectively. However, by turning the stop arms 28 about their pivotal connections to transverse positions, the followers 6 and 3 may be lowered into horizontal positions, as indicated in dotted linesi'n Fig. 10. This movement of eachfollower is independent of the other. By lowering the followers 6 and 3', the series of lile cards or sheets are opened in substantially book form, and to a flat position to facilitate writing upon the cards orshets and making entries. The entire le andits support shown lin Fig. 9 may be bodily removed from the file box or container.

'In Fig. 10 there is shown a file support adjustable upon the base 29. Thebottom or base 29 of the container is provided with longitudinally disposed u standing anges o30, upon which the basesv 2 x of the forward" lle responding perforations in the cards. The follower 6 is engaged with the flanges() at spaced intervals by a transverse rod or pin 32, engaging through registering holes 33, in the upstanding fianges 30 and in ears 34, upon the follower base 27X.

For locking the container or box in closed position, a narrow sectiony 35 is hinged to the forward edge of the bottom or base 29, and is provided with a lock 36, engageable with a corresponding metallic section 37, at the lower edge of the front end wall of the cabinet or box. The slotted top of the glass. cabinet or box shown in Figs. 9 and 10, is preferably provided with the guard bafiies 12, by which the deposit slots may be closed as before described. These baliies or closure wires 12 are preferably controlled from a, lock 11, in this instance, located adjacent to the back end of the container top.

The glass panels forming the side and end walls of the container may be secured to. gether in any suitable manner. In the present instance, there have been shown posts 39 located at each corner of thecontainer having laterally disposed studs projecting through the adjacent panels and provided with nuts on their outer ends. At the rear end of the box, the posts 39 are hinged to the rear end of the base 29, to provide for the pivotal movement of the container, to its elevated or opened position shown in Fig. 10.

It will be understood that the guide cards and certain record or data cards of more or less permanent character may be attached to the file support by means of the longitudinal rods 31, shown in Fig. 10. Other record cards may be loosenlydeposited beteween `such attached cards from time to time. In Fig. 9 there is shown a somewhat different means for holding the guides and permanent records. This consists of a pair of interconnected rods 38 forming a clevislike member. The interconnected rods 38 extend through the fianges of the base 27, and through perforations in the sheets intermediate such fianges. To retain the rods 38 against withdrawal, the rods are notched upon their adjacent faces and immediately inside the forward flange of the base 27. A thin plate or slide 42 extending parallel with the forward fiange of the base 27 is removably engaged in the alined notches 40 of the rods 38. The plate 42 is flanged outward at its top margin to ovehang the edge of the forward flange of the base 27. This outwardly extending flange 41 extends between the base flange and the hinged follower 6 when the latter is elevated. The follower, therefore, holds the plate in locking position. The plate can only be withdrawn by lowering the follower 6 out of the path of withdrawal of the plate 42.4

Cross reference is made to co-pending application Serial N o. 328,879, filed October 6, 1919, and the construction. claimed therein of which the present construction is a further developement and amplification.

Cross reference is madeto Patent No. 1,639,016, issued Aug. 16, 1927 upon co-pending application Ser. No. 328,879, filed Oct.

'6, 1919 and the construct-ion therein claimed enumerated as desirable, but which obviously i is susceptible of modification in its form, proportions, detail construction and arrangement of parts without departing from the principle involved or sacrificing any of its advantages, v

While in order to comply with the statute the invention has been described in language more or less specific as to structural features, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the speciliic details shown, but that the means and construction herein disclosed comprises the preferred form of several modes of putting the invention into effect and the invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the legitimate and valid scope of the appended claims.

Having thusl described my invention, I

,claim 1. In a filing device, a container for a series of vertically positioned data sheets, a' cover therefor, having therein a slot extending in parallel relation with the data sheets, means for effecting the separation of the series of sheets in proximity to said slot -to permit the deposit of an additional data sheet through said slot in predetermined relation with previously filed data sheets.

2, In a 4filing device, a normally locked container for a series of data sheets, having therein a deposit slot through which sheets may be inserted into the container, means for effecting the separation of the series of data sheets, within the container at selected intervals for the insertion of additional data sheets therebetween through said slot .in predetermined relation with previously filed sheets.

3. In a filing device, a normally locked container for a series of data sheets, a n observation window in the container through which the sheets may be observed withont affording access thereto for removal or tampering, meaiis for effecting-the separation of the series of sheets to expose a sel lected sheet, said container having therein an opening for the deposit of additional data sheets in association with an exposed sheet.

4. In a ling device, a normally locked container for a series of data sheets, the container having therein a plurality of spaced slots extending in substantially parallel relation with the enclosed data sheets through which additional data sheets may be introl duced into the container, and means for effecting the separation of the enclosed. data sheets at points in proximity to -said slots @sheets between selected sheets within th container.

6. In a protected ling device for loose sheets, a container, a slotted cover panel through which sheets may be inserted into the container and an access kopening through which the sheets within the container may be separated to enable the deposit of additional sheets at predetermined intervals.'

7. In a protected file device for data sheets, a containenhaving in one wall thereof slots for the deposit of additional sheets into the container, and also having in another Wall thereof Ian aperture through which an implement may be inserted in substantially parallel relation with the sheets and by which the sheets may be sep`arated at selected points to admit of other sheets being deposited through said slots.

8. In a protected file, a container for a plurality of data sheets, having a transparent closure through which the sheets within the container may be observed, and

having an a erture in a vertical side wall,

ofthe container through which an imple ment maybe inserted in substantially parallel relation with the data sheets and by which the sheets may be separated within the container to permit observation thereof.

9. In a protected file, a container for a succession of data sheets, a transparent toppanel for the container through whichl the data sheets may be observed, and an apertured side panel for the container through' which an implement may be in serted into the container for the purpose of separating the sheets for observation, but

'not permitting the removal of the sheets.

from the container.

l0. In a protected file device, a container for a succession of data sheets, a transparent top panel for the container through which the contents of the container may be observed, said container havin an elongated slot in the side thereof, for t e 4insertion of an implement into engagement with the data sheets, and movement ofthe same longitudinally of the slot for the urpose of separating selected portions of t e sheets.

11,. In a protected file box, a housing for a series of data sheets including a transparent panel through which the data sheets may be observed, said housing having a d slot in a wall thereof extending transversely in relation to vthe planes of .the sheets through which the data sheets may be manipulated to expose a selected sheet to view.

l2. 'In a protected file box, a housing for a series of' data sheets including a transl parent panel through'which the ta sheets may be observed, the housing having an access openin in a vertical side wall thereof through whic access may bel hadfor separaltingthe sheets to expose to vview a selected s eet.

13. In a protected file box, a housing for a series of data sheets includin a transparent panel through which the ata sheets may be observed,- said housing having an access slot therein, for the introduction of an implement into engagement with the data sheets and movement of the same lpngi.

tudinallyh of the slot for separating the sheets to expose to view a selected data sheet.

. 14. In a protected file for a series of data sheets, a housing having a transparent panel through which the data sheets maybe observed and an opening,- means o erable from the exterior of the housing t rough saidv opening for separating the data 'sheets'. for o servation, a follower member for said data sheets, and a pull cord attached to the follower, for returning the separated data sheets preparatory to the next selective oper-- ation.

15. In a protected file for a series of data sheets, a housing having a transparent panel through which the data sheets may be observed and an opening, means operable from the exterior of the housing through said o ening for separating the data sheets for o servation, a follower member for said data sheets, and a pull cord attached to the follower, connected to the data sheet separating means whereby the movement of the separat'- ing means in reverse direction will operate the follower to restore the data sheets preparatory to the next selective operation.

16. In a protected file, for a series of data sheets, a housinghaving a transparent panel through .which the data sheets may be observed and an opening, and selective means CII operable from the exterior of the housing through said opening for separating the sheets 4for observation by its movement in one direction and operative upon reverse movement to automatically restore the separated sheets.

17. In a protected iile for a series of data sheets, a housing having a transparent panel through which the sheets may be observed and an opening, a movable follower for the data sheets by the movement of which the sheets may be restored preparatory to the next operation, and a selective member hav-.

ing permanent operative engagement with the' follower by which its movement in one direction will operate the follower to restore the data sheets, said slective member ca able of insertion through said opening or engagement with different ydata sheets to separate the series of sheets for observation by its movement in the opposite direct-ion.

18. In a protected le for a series of data sheets a housing having a transparent panel through which the sheets lnay be observed and an opening, a movable follower 'for the data sheets by the movement of ,which the sheets may be restored preparatory to the next operation, a selective member for insertion throughsaid opening for separating the data sheets for observation, and a. pull cord connecting the selective `member and the follower'.

19. lIn a protective ile fora series of i data sheets, a housing having a transparent top, through which the data sheets may be observed and an opening, and means operable from the exterior of the housing through said opening for separating the data sheets for observation and restoring the sheets preparatory to the next operation. i

20. In a protected le for a series of data sheets, a housing provided with an opening in combination with means operable from the exterior of the housing through said opening for separating the series of sheets for observation and for restoring the separated sheets, said data sheets being observable through the top of such housing.

2l. In a protected file a series of data sheets, a housing comprising transparent top, side and end walls, and a bottom sec--` tion in relation with which the housing unit comprising the top side and end walls is relatively movable.

22. In a protected tile for a series of data sheets, a bottom section, means upon the boitom section for supporting a series of data. sheets, and a unitary enclosure for said data sheets comprising top, side and end walls, said unitary enclosure being engageable with and discngageable from the bottom section to afford access to the data sheets.

In a protected ile, for a series of data sheets, a bottom section, means upon the bottom section for supporting a series of data sheet-s, and a unitary enclosure for said data sheets comprising atop, side and end walls, hingedto said bottom section and relatively movable in relation thereto to and from closed position. y

24. In a file for a series of data sheets, a container, a 4follower mounted for oscillatory movement within the container, and a stop member normally limiting the range of oscillation of the follower to maintain the data sheets in an approximately upright position, said stop being retractible to per mit the follower to be oscillated to an extreme position to enable the data sheets to be adjusted to a recumbent position.

25. In a file for a series of data sheets, a`

container, a follower mounted for oscillatory movement within the container, limiting means for normally confining the follower to a restricted range of oscillation by which the data sheets are maintained in an approximately upright position, said follower being capable of further movement to a reeumbent position in which the data sheets will be presented in convenient position for writing thereon, when released from such limiting means.

26. In a file for a series of data sheets, a container, a follower mounted for oscillatory movement within the container, and a prop arm pivoted to the follower and normally limiting the oscillation thereof, said prop arm when oscillated about its pivotal connection permitting the follower to,be oscillated to an extreme degree permitting the data sheets toI be positioned for writing thereon.

27. In a protected file for a series of data sheets, a closed housing within which the data sheets are visible for observation, means .operable {from the exterior of the housing for separating the sheets for observation, and a unitary mounting for the data sheets, removable with said data sheets from the housing.

28. In a protected file for a series of data sheets, a closed housing within which the data sheets are visible for observation, means operable from the exterior Vof the housing for separating the sheets for observation, and an independent 'mountino within which the data sheets are connecte said independent mounting being insertable within and removable from the housing without detachment of the sheets.

29. In a file for a series of data sheets, a mounting for the data sheets including an oscillatory follower, a retainer rod transfixing the series of sheets and a locking member for said rod in the path of disengagement of which the oscillatory follower normally extends to prevent the disengagement of the locking member until the follower is oscillated to an abnormal position.

30. In a file for a- 'series of data sheets', a mounting for the ldata sheets including` an oscillator follower, a retaining`- ro transfixing t e data sheets, and locking means controlled by the oscillatory follower and permitting the disengagement of the" rod only when the followeris oscillated to an abnormal position;

31. In a filing device, a' series of oscillatory file members, an enclosure therefor, preventing -access thereto for removal or disarrangemnt, but permitting observation thereof, said enclosure having therein an access opening'through which any' onef of the members of the series may be selected lfromthe exterior of the yenclosure by an l tion of said file members and the implement 1924. f RODNEY J. woon.

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